1. every message should contain only one
subject, except when the message is a
report on a
general situation. A
report can contain as many
data as it pleases. A message, consisting of a forwarding of a
datum or a request for a
policy or
datum, or
item, should be highly standardized amongst organizations to minimize the
loss of
time in
communication and to insure a rapid and accurate response to any and all
communications received. A message consists of one
subject and the
reason why. It should be written so that enough
space remains on the paper to answer the
communication. Neatness,
clear typing, retyping, are not important as long as the writing is legible. The
actual content of the message and its
placement on a piece of paper large enough to admit of an answer on that piece of paper are of the
primary importance. The number of things which must be on the message is precise and should be placed in this
order:
(1) date,
(2) the person to whom the message is addressed,
(3) the person who is sending the message, with
address, is needful,
(4) the
actual message or
datum itself,
(5) the
reason why it is needed,
(6) the initials of the person sending,
(7) enough blank
space, preferably at least half of the piece of paper, to permit the message to be answered on that same
sheet of paper.
(Communications Plan HASI, 1954 OEC Vol VII p. 254) 2. (the message) the
thought or
significance which the
public relations person is attempting to convey is called the message.
(HCO PL 7 Aug 72)